Commissions
Mostly I say I never do commissions, but that turns out to be untrue. I did this 16 piece painting commission last year and loved every minute of doing it. But mostly I loathe them. Here's the deal.
When a person says 'I have an idea for what I want' and then tries to describe what is in their head, I know I this is going to be a disaster. Nothing I will do will meet up with their imaginings, and since I am a lousy mind reader, I know failure looms large. So I avoid all that disappointment right from the start.
On the other hand, when a person says 'I love what you are doing and I want one', only bigger or more of them or something like that, I feel confident that we are on the same page, and I agree.
For example: Here are three pieces that the other party thought were super duper and loved the colors and the designs and only wanted something like them but bigger.
I happen to LOVE the kind of work in these pieces. They are my fave kind of designs, so I think this person is a genius for agreeing with me. The only problem/challenge is trying to figure out how to do the same kind of thing in a 30x50" horizontal format. And what colors would be involved. In the meantime the person that asked me to do this has been incommunicado of late and I am having that sinking feeling that nothing is going to come of this. Drat.
For example: Here are three pieces that the other party thought were super duper and loved the colors and the designs and only wanted something like them but bigger.
I happen to LOVE the kind of work in these pieces. They are my fave kind of designs, so I think this person is a genius for agreeing with me. The only problem/challenge is trying to figure out how to do the same kind of thing in a 30x50" horizontal format. And what colors would be involved. In the meantime the person that asked me to do this has been incommunicado of late and I am having that sinking feeling that nothing is going to come of this. Drat.
Must be very disappointing. But nevermind...your work is just a joy to view. I love everything you do.
ReplyDeleteHeck, make the piece anyway if it's the kind of work you love, and then if they come back and say they really really do want it, double your price, and allow them to buy it!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean. I find the more input I have from someone with a creative project, the less it becomes my own. I would much rather just get a general idea of what color scheme someone likes and their interests, and take it from there. Otherwise I lose interest very rapidly.
ReplyDeleteI do hope the person will get back to you about the piece they wanted done!
... and even if the person doesn't come back -- if your work will be much like this, there should be no problem to find other enthusiasts. After all, this is not the kind of custom made that is so personal that no one else can use it.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of the 16 small pictures is gorgeous! From afar, it looks like a shelf of boxes. Very appealing!
That is EXACTLY the truth about commissions!
ReplyDeleteGreat blog, BTW, found you thru Trista Hill's blog, and will add a link thru my own! You can find me on Ravelry, too!!
Go forward joyfully ~ you're up for the challenge and I know you will make them happy if you've made yourself happy. I love your work.
ReplyDeleteSo you would really make a similar piece to one that someone really coveted, but was marked SOLD before they even got a chance to see it for sale?
ReplyDeleteI'm crossing my fingers for you that your person is simply on vacation and they can't get e-mail! Or maybe they dropped their cell in the toilet and are currently waiting for a replacement:)
ReplyDeleteThis commision piece is beautiful! I love how you do fruit and veggies. But I think I like your teapots the most!! :-)
ReplyDeleteLucky, lucky recipient...